How to Make Introductions: What to Say & FAQs

In survival games, you’ll need to make sure your character is in the right place and doing what they’re supposed to be. The best way to do this is by introducing yourself and stating your goals.

The “how to make introductions in essay” is a question that many students have. There are some things you should know when introducing yourself in an essay.

This passage is from Etiquette for Young Moderns, a book aimed towards teenagers that was first published in 1954. See our article on How to Make Introductions Like a Gentleman for additional information.

Would you rather take six aptitude exams than give a single speech? Would you rather be on the receiving end of a firing line than the firing line?

Then brighten up and get ready to learn about introductions’ whys and wherefores. There aren’t many, and they’re not difficult to find. They make the process of introducing individuals easier rather than more difficult. And, after you’ve memorized these easy formulae, you won’t have to worry about making a mistake.

To begin, introduce men and boys to women and girls, as well as younger and older individuals. This translates to first mentioning the name of the person to whom you’re introducing them. (Order is irrelevant when the introduction includes two persons of the same sex and about the same age.)

Right: My name is Chad Bowles, and I’m calling on behalf of my mother.
Wrong: I’d want for you to meet my mum, Chad.
Mr. Walser, this is Bill, my younger brother.
Wrong: Bill, please meet Mr. Walser, Jefferson High’s principal.

Next, keep your introduction as straightforward and uncomplicated as possible. Instead of doubling up and presenting both persons, introduce one person to another.

Betty, this is Ed Stokes from The Hard Way. Betty Copeland here, Ed.
Betty Copeland, this is Ed Stokes. The Easy Way: Betty Copeland, this is Ed Stokes.

Inquiry Marks

When should you use Mr. or Miss instead of your given name?

Only when you’d normally address the individual in this manner. Paul O’Malley, Jean Dart, and Sam Steiner are the names of your buddies. Miss Jamison and Mr. Arnold are your teacher and next-door neighbor, respectively. Relatives with surnames other than yours, such as your stepfather and married sister, are exceptions. “My Father (or stepfather), Mr. Reed,” and “My Sister, Mrs. Talmadge,” introduce them.

What’s the best way to introduce persons with titles like physicians and clergymen?

A doctor, a dentist, a minister with a doctor of divinity degree, or a doctorate-level educator should be introduced as “Doctor”; a bishop as “Bishop”; a rabbi as “Rabbi”; a priest as “Father”; other clergymen as “Mister”; a sisterhood member as “Sister”; a judge as “Judge”; and a mayor as “His Honor, Mayor .”

Which sentences for an introduction are “acceptable”?

Any of the following:

“I’d like to present my cousin, Cathy Brewster, to Mrs. Peacock.”
“I’d want you to meet Harry Payne, Shirley Dawes.”
“Phyllis Devine, this is Bob O’Ruark, my cousin.”
“Arthur Fetzer, Tom Bost.”

Giving directions, such as “Shirley, meet Harry Payne” or “Tom, shake hands with Arthur,” is frowned upon. And “May I present…?” is more formal than the majority of your introductions.

What if you lose track of someone’s name?

“This is James Blurp,” don’t mumble as a cover. “I’m sorry, James, I don’t recall your last name,” say straight away. Never worry, James will respond to your S.O.S.

How do you respond to an introduction?

“How do you do?” is always safe, and adding the other person’s name to your welcome increases your chances of success. If only young individuals are present, “Hello” is OK. “How are you doing?” demonstrates greater regard for senior individuals.

Frills like “Charmed, I’m sure” and “Pleased to meet you” come off as phony. “I’m extremely happy to know you, Polly,” you might remark if you’ve been looking forward to meeting Polly Franklin. But don’t make her feel bad by saying something ambiguous like, “Oh, I’ve heard so much about you!” Tell the source if you’ve overheard someone saying anything nice about her. “You’re my cousin Tom Bobbitt’s favorite dancing partner!”

When do you give a handshake?

When men and boys meet for the first time, they should always shake hands. When a male meets a girl, the matter is optional — and it’s the girl’s choice! If the guy takes the initial move unintentionally, the female should meet him halfway rather than leaving him with his hand hanging in mid-air. Make yours a solid, short handclasp, not one of the flabby-fisted or prolonged-pumping versions.

Is it necessary for you to constantly stand up for introductions?

When you follow these two broad criteria, the ups and downs of introductions are simple: 1) No matter who he meets or greets, a boy always rises to the occasion. 2) It is a “essential” for a girl to stand only when she is presented to older people, albeit she should rise to meet another female who is already standing.

What about the perplexity of two introductions?

That’s a simple one – there’s no ambiguity! When two couples meet and just the lads know each other, this is what happens:

“Sue Michaels, this is Hank Gibson,” Dave says to his date. “How are you doing, Hank?” Sue inquires. “How are you doing?” Hank inquires. Rosemary Clark, I’d want you to meet Sue Michaels and Dave Burke,” he says to his date. “How are you doing?” Rosemary inquires. “How are you doing, Rosemary?” Sue and Dave ask.

Filling in the Blanks

Introductions are just the beginning of your responsibilities. You must fill the uncomfortable silence that may occur after the how-do-you- do’s. Don’t address your comments to a single individual. Shift the discussion to a channel that all of you can easily browse.

“Stuart and I were debating about ‘hot rods’ as a highway nuisance,” the third person should be informed. “What are your thoughts, Ralph?” “Or “We’ve been debating which movie to watch.” Mrs. Entwistle, do you have any suggestions?”

“Doris and I are on our way to the library, Helen,” say to the individual who has just joined you. “Would you want to accompany us?” “Won’t you join us for a soda, Harold?” or “Won’t you join us for a soda?”

Identify one buddy for the other as a last resort: “Sally was my bunkmate at camp last year, Enid.” But don’t be too personal with your identifying badges, like “Connie is going steady with ‘Tarzan’ Oaks, so beware!” or “Baxter is the most attractive lad in school,” as in “All the females say Baxter is the most attractive boy in school.”

No matter how busy he is, a good host always initiates conversation before abandoning newly-met visitors. However, if your host fails to do so, it is up to the individual to whom the introduction was made to initiate the initial discussion.

What do you say to someone you’ve just met for the first time?

From aircraft to zoos, and including radio, television, books, movies, records, and sports, there are a thousand things.

“Have you ever taken a flight?” I’m attempting to persuade my parents to allow me go to see my aunt in San Francisco next month.”

“Have you read Everest: The Conquest?” Next week, I’ll write a book report on it.”

“Did you have a chance to watch the World Series?” I had the good fortune to catch a webcast of the previous game.”

Meet the People

Keep your welcome mat out in the way of huge, pre-planned gatherings. When you have even one visitor in your house, you are immediately designated “host” or “hostess.”

If your date comes in the living room with the rest of the family, provide a generic introduction: “Folks, here is Jack Saunders.” Mr. Pinero, my uncle, and my brother, George, are all people I’d want you to meet.” In the same manner, you’d introduce a female.

(Your instructors are hostesses and hosts at school.) Even though Miss Stark is the younger of the two, introduce your mother to Mr. Gaines, my science teacher: “Mother, here is Mr. Gaines, my science teacher.”

Line of the Party

As the hostess of the party, it is your responsibility to ensure that all of your visitors are introduced to one another. However, this does not need a round-robin of introductions for each newcomer. If you make many introductions in a row, they will be ineffective. “Jane Parker, I’d want you to meet Phyllis Croft, Mark Arbisi, and Dan Walsek,” introduce the newbie to a small number of individuals at first. Last summer, Jane and I shared a hostel.” Catch up with Jane later in the evening and introduce her to anybody she hasn’t met before.

What should you do if you have so many visitors that you can’t perform the honors all at once?

“I’m going to leave you ‘on your own,’ and I’d want you to introduce yourself,” say. You may check later to see if any two people with whom you could get along have met. Alternatively, you may assist any exceptionally hesitant visitors who do not seem to be mingling with the other guests.

Introducing — You!

When you’re a visitor at a private party, you don’t have to wait for introductions. “We haven’t met, have we?” is a good approach to meet your other visitors halfway. “My name is Ted Hughes.”

“How are you doing?” says the girl to whom you are speaking. “My name is Beth Crosby,” you say, as though you’d been introduced by your hostess. If it’s a dating situation, the males introduce themselves first, followed by their dates.

The same approach may be used to introduce oneself to receiving lines. However, keep it to a constrained “Good evening.” “My name is Robert Collins.” “Mr. Hammer, I’d like to present Robert Collins,” the first person in line will often say to the following person. Of course, your response is “How are you doing, Mr. Hammer” — and so on.

At a party or dance, the chaperons, too, deserve at least a minute of your attention. Introduce yourself to them and make a remark, such as “The decorations are rather odd, aren’t they?” Instead of “that tall skinny girl who didn’t look at us all evening,” they’ll remember you as “that delightful Hazel Hopkins.”

If you’re at a school function, make a point of greeting the principal and any other teachers who may be there. If you identify yourself by name and grade – Raymond Wentzel, 10-A — they will be able to position you right away.

Of course, you’re more relaxed with your classmates. Saying hi to the new girl in your math class is nice, not aggressive. Introductions, on the other hand, should never be overlooked. Don’t be satisfied with a “Hello, there!” “Hello, my name is Frank Ward,” greet her. “Are you a new student at Central High?”

It’s customary in business to include a note to identify oneself. “Good morning, Mr. Marino,” you may begin an interview with a potential employer. Dan Skalla here. Mr. Knowles recommended that I speak with you regarding a position in your shipping department.” “I’m Nancy Forker, Mr. Lamb’s new typist,” you’d tell the other workers when you started a new job.

If you ran across an acquaintance who didn’t appear to recognize you, you’d need to explain yourself. “I’m Vivian de Camp,” help him get over his shame. Last summer, we met at Pat Nelson’s clam bake.”

The Final Word

Hellos and goodbyes are equally vital. What if you didn’t have much to say during David and Jonathan’s short conversation? You were introduced to Jonathan, and it would be impolite to quickly turn away from him as you depart. It’s also pointless. “I’m delighted I met you” or “I’ve liked meeting you” are not tongue-twisting phrases. “I want to see you again soon,” you may remark if you’re feeling more enthused about him.

And if Jonathan says something similar before you, consider that a compliment. A hasty “Sure thing,” “Likewise,” or “Same here” will not suffice. Your honest “Thank you” is all that is required to round off an introduction.

The “how to ask someone to introduce themselves in a meeting” is a question that many people have. There are some guidelines on what to say and how to make the introduction.